1975 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 190 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Laser (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Laser |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 53 L |
